NFL star Quinshon Judkins brings football camp back home to Pike Road

PIKE ROAD — It was a special homecoming for former Pike Road running back Quinshon Judkins on Saturday May 23 at the very field he used to score touchdowns on in a Patriots uniform.

The current Cleveland Browns star, brought his HumanFirst Foundation Youth Football Camp to the field at Pike Road where he hosted around 100 kids from ages 6 to 14 years old in a free skills camp.

“It means a lot. Not only to see them compete against their peers, but also, you know, see where they’re at far as their progression of their athleticism versus somebody that’s in my position,” Judkins said. “Just to see them in their element, just having fun, you know, competing against themselves, and trying to be better. It was fun.”

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Judkins created the HumanFirst Foundation as an opportunity to provide support where it matters the most. The HumanFirst Foundation provides essential resources like mental health services, youth empowerment and annual initiatives like winter clothing drives.

The Pike Road High School football coaching staff along with some of its players helped Judkins run the camp.

Camp attendees were able to get a taste of Pike Road football, running through positional drills with high school coaches. Pike Road coach Granger Shook understands how to run a disciplined football team, but on Saturday, it was also about bringing to light the fun aspect of the game.

“We always try to have fun. That’s what makes these kids want to play football,” Shook said. “It was great for these kids to see Quinshon in his element, and let loose. It was fun seeing our staff let loose with them.”

The camp concluded with Judkins competing against a few camp attendees in one-on-one opportunities where the kids were able to try and catch a touchdown against Judkins. Shook’s son, Ward, was one of the few that caught a touchdown against Judkins. It’s a moment Shook said he’ll never forget.

For the Pike Road football players helping out with the camp, it wasn’t just about being around the a former National Champion at Ohio State who is now playing NFL football. But an opportunity to see the impact football can have on a community.

An opportunity to come back home where he helped Pike Road win a state championship in 2021 is always a blessing for Judkins. It keeps him grounded remembering where he came from.

“It’s super important just because, you know, I’ve come from here, like, made it to where I’m at today. Not by myself, but the people that helped me get there. I think it’s really important also for the youth to see people that come from this community and know I’m still here, still involved,” Judkins said.

The camp attendees wanted to be around Judkins and learn from him, something Judkins said he really respected. At the end of the day, Judkins called it a success, and he can’t wait to be back for next year’s camp. He even hinted at bringing a quarterback next time.

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